NYRON NOSWORTHY has warned his Sunderland team-mates they have to take Carling Cup disaster “on the chin” if they are to avoid another drubbing in the weekend’s trip to Manchester United.

The Red Devils have started the season in poor fashion, but many Old Trafford fans feel there is a glut of goals on the way, especially after watching the Black Cats blow up against League One outfit Luton Town last night.

Nosworthy was the only Sunderland player to show humility at Kenilworth Road last night and face the media after their cup disappointment, but explained that his team-mates know the score ahead of the big one in Manchester.

He told the Chronicle: “We have to take it on the chin.

“It won’t get any easier at Manchester United.

“Luton was probably our easiest game and we didn’t take the chance.

“It was one of those nights and I think Bury last year was exactly the same.

“It was a very bad performance. We didn’t start properly, we gave away free-kicks and we didn’t defend properly – so we were punished for it.”

Luton started the game like a house on fire last night, and left Sunderland cold with a 3-0 scoreline that proved to be one of the shocks of the second round.

But despite the drubbing, Nosworthy and his team-mates were spared a tea-cup throwing debriefing session from boss Keane, with the defender feeling the players must find it in themselves to eradicate their problems.

He added: “I cannot put my finger on why we were so bad.

“We are all individuals, but when we go out there we have to work as a team and I don’t think we did that at Luton.

“There weren’t too many strong words said in the dressing room because it spoke for itself on the pitch.